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Keizer council offers CASA reduced event rate, prompts review of fee‑waiver policy
Summary
After public comment from CASA volunteers, Keizer City Council agreed to offer the nonprofit a 12‑hour rental block at $600 (plus security deposits/fees) for its March 14 gala and directed staff to review the event‑center fee‑waiver policy to prevent unintended revenue loss from routine multi‑day free setups.
Keizer — The Keizer City Council voted Feb. 2 to offer CASA of Marion County a discounted 12‑hour rental block at $600 for its spring gala on March 14, while charging refundable security and third‑party security fees. The measure follows public comment from CASA volunteers Jim and Joanne Griffin, who asked the council to waive venue and IT fees so more funds go to children served by the program.
Council members discussed whether allowing free full‑day Friday set‑ups for nonprofits reduces the Event Center’s rental revenue and agreed to refine the waiver policy. Lily Vaughn, the Event Center manager, said Friday is often a slow day and that staff encourages paying customers to rent extra Friday setup time; she also said the city offers a separate $600 annual nonprofit rental option that some organizations use.
Council debate focused on balancing nonprofit support with preserving rental revenue. Councilors noted the city’s current practice includes both discretionary full waivers and a $600 per‑year discounted block; several councilors urged clearer rules for when waivers, discounted blocks and deposits should be used. Council president Shaney Starr said staff should bring policy options back to council to avoid a “slippery slope” of expanding unpaid setup days.
Councilor Starr moved — and the council agreed — to provide CASA the $600 12‑hour rental option and require a refundable security deposit of $1,500 plus third‑party security costs. Councilors clarified that AV and stage add‑ons can increase the out‑of‑pocket price for the group; staff estimated typical add‑ons at about $300.
The council also requested staff report back on (1) how many full waivers have been approved in the current fiscal year, (2) whether the $600 option should be more actively promoted, and (3) whether a formal deadline should be required for fee‑waiver requests to avoid tentative holds on high‑demand dates.
The city clerk recorded the motion and the council passed it unanimously. The council asked staff to include a summary of policy options when they return with the budget and event‑center financials.
What’s next: Staff will return with recommended changes to the waiver policy and a clearer timeline for nonprofit waiver requests ahead of the next budget cycle.
